By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Pre-Delivery Inspection: Important Steps to Take
Bought a new car and waiting to take delivery? Make sure the excitement you feel lasts for days and isn’t snuffed out by any unexpected disappointments. Keep calm and take your time; ensure all your questions/concerns are answered to YOUR satisfaction. To help with this process, OMVIC recommends making a ‘vehicle delivery’ checklist:
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 24, 2018
Recently a consumer wrote to OMVIC:
We recently purchased a used vehicle from an OMVIC Registered Dealer
We were charged an administrative fee of $199. We questioned this and were given a vague answer;
the salesman insinuated this was a normal charge. I thought dealers couldn’t add fees.”
There can be some confusion when it comes to All-in Price Advertising. So let's clarify.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, August 2, 2018

Car-buyers have the right to expect Ontario dealers to include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect, with the exception of HST and licensing (and safety standards certificate if the vehicle is advertised unfit/as-is) in any advertised price. It’s been the law since 2010.
Unfortunately though, research conducted by OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, has uncovered two significant problems: less than half of Ontario car-buyers know they have a right to all-in pricing; and, many are being overcharged because some dealers continue to add fees on top of their advertised prices.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, July 26, 2018
The new car you’ve seen at the dealership makes your heart pound; your pulse race and the thought of driving it makes you a little giddy. It must be love. You know what they say, first comes love, then comes…car ownership. However, before the dealer can pronounce you ‘car owner and car’, you need to take a step back and ask some serious questions.
Because, let’s face it, buying a new car is a lot like getting married: if you don’t do proper research and ask the right questions you can end up making an expensive mistake you’ll regret for years.
So, think of OMVIC as your marriage coach—here to help you start that discussion that will ensure the relationship between you and new your car is a happy and long lasting one.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
If checking out all those cars, trucks and SUVs at the Ottawa Gatineau International Auto Show has you thinking about buying or leasing, make sure you also stop by OMVIC’s booth (Level 2) and bring your car-buying questions!
And, if meeting the friendly OMVIC team isn’t enough of an incentive, we will also be handing out branded keychains, to remind you that OMVIC is here to help with your car-buying experience. Not only is this keychain attractive and stylish, it’s also multi-purpose, serving as a handy tire tread depth gauge. Don’t miss out on your chance to get one! The show runs from March 22 to March 25, at the Shaw Centre.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, February 1, 2018
“My friends say I don’t look a kilometre over 85,000.” Meanwhile, what the unsuspecting, hopeful single who swiped right doesn’t know is that deceitful old Buick’s odometer has been rolled back 100,000 km.
“I keep my body in great shape!!” Yeah right, that Venza was a complete write-off with structural damage that cost over $14,000 to get into “great shape”.
Both are classic cases of “carfishing”, quite similar to what online daters refer to as “catfishing”… simply, false advertising.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Thinking about decking the driveway with a new set of wheels this holiday season? Or resolving to improve your ride in the New Year? OMVIC would like to gift you with some great holiday car buying tips.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
All-In Price Advertising is the law in Ontario. If an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle (new or used), that price must include ALL fees and charges the Dealer intends to collect – minus the licensing fee and HST.
However, as with many rules in life, there are exceptions.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, June 16, 2017
When it comes to buying a vehicle in Ontario, it is important consumers do their homework before purchasing. But what exactly should that homework entail? Whether buying from a private seller or an OMVIC-Registered Dealer, this mnemonic will help consumers conduct research and ask the right questions during the car-buying process to make an informed purchase.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 19, 2017
All-in price advertising is the law in Ontario; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and create a fair and level playing field for car dealers. Through OMVIC’s on-going consumer awareness efforts, the public is becoming more informed of the all-in pricing rules when purchasing a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer — but there is still some confusion…
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, April 21, 2017
A dog relishing a car ride; tongue lapping the air; fur flying in the wind – a sight that exemplifies simple joy; and it’s the visuals supporting OMVIC’s TV message: Buying a car? The fun is back! Ontario made all-in price advertising the law for Ontario car dealers – no more hidden fees. All-in price advertising – it’s your right!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, October 7, 2016
Buying a car can be a huge financial commitment and no one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse due to unexpected repairs soon after purchase. That is why it’s vital consumers exercise their ‘due diligence’ before purchasing their next used vehicle – and in many cases, that means getting a pre-purchase mechanical inspection.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
 By now, you’re aware that all-in price advertising is the law for car dealers in Ontario. If a dealer advertises a price for a car (new or used), that price must include ALL fees and charges the dealer intends to collect, with the exception of HST and licensing. However research shows that a small minority of car dealers continue to add hidden fees or extra costs that exceed their advertised prices.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, September 9, 2016
Ontario’s advertising regulations are clear: if an OMVIC-Registered Dealer advertises a price for a vehicle, that price MUST be all-inclusive with the exception of HST and licensing. Manufacturer advertisements don’t have to follow these rules, so it’s important to know whose advertisement it is you’re reading/viewing.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, August 5, 2016
Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to stop by the OMVIC booth at IMPORTFEST! Learn more about your car-buying rights and have your questions answered by OMVIC staff!
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, July 29, 2016
 Think you’re a pretty savvy car buyer? Understand dealer advertising? Let’s check; and find out if your consumer smarts are stuck in the first gear or set on cruise control.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Thinking about buying a car? Want to see the newest models in a unique no-selling, no-pressure environment? Then plan a trip to Barrie this weekend!
Georgian College Auto Show – June 3–5
This weekend, June 3–5, North America’s largest outdoor auto show is being held in Ontario. The Georgian College Auto Show is 100% student run and it’s taking place at the college’s Barrie campus.
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By OMVIC Communications on
Friday, May 13, 2016
All-in price advertising is the law in Ontario; a law meant to provide transparency to consumers and create a fair and level playing field for car dealers. Through OMVIC’s on-going consumer awareness efforts, the public is becoming more informed of the all-in pricing rules when purchasing a car from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer — but there is still some confusion…
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